American Exceptualism Rudy
Giuliani was espousing his opinion to Fox News that Barack Obama did not
love America and didn’t brag enough about “American Exceptionalism.”

Fur Is Not Chic When my 25-pound
dog stepped in a toothed steel leg hold trap a few ft off the trail, I
learned how “unchic” fur is. I had to carry her out two miles to get to a
vet.

Which Is More Dangerous? Just
a couple of thoughts I had in response to the letters by Gordon Lee
Dean and Jarin Weber in the Feb. 23 issue. Mr. Dean claims that there
have been zero deaths from the measles in the past ten years.

Real Action on Climate In
“Climate Madness” in the Feb. 9 issue, the writer points out that
scientists are all but unanimous and that large numbers of people agree:
global warming poses a threat to future generations.

Real Science Wolfgang
Pauli, the Nobel Prize winning Austrian-born theoretical physicist, was
known not only for his work in postulating the existence of the
neutrino but feared for his razor-edged humor.

Elberta Summer Solstice Festval

Return of the Sun: The Elberta Solstice FestivalOne of Northern Michigans newest festivals also has one of its mostdramatic locations: Elbertas Solstice Festival is held in the townsexpansive Waterfront Park on Frankforts harbor, with great views ofthe lighthouse and Lake Michigan.The Benzie County event is the first music festival of the summer inNorthern Michigan (along with Brethrens Spirit of the WoodsFestival), taking place this Saturday, June 19 from noon - 1 a.m.Plus, you cant beat the entrance fee for this family-orientedfestival: its all free of charge. Its a big local party that the whole family gets to have fun at,says co-chair Josh Stoltz. And it all wraps up with a fireworks showthat a lot of people say is the best in Northern Michigan.

MUSIC & HANG GLIDERS With headliners including local heroes, K. Jones & the BenziePlayboys, the festival at Elberta Waterfront Park offers a fullafternoon and evening of music along with fun for kids and theirparents. Some highlights will include a kite building class andexhibition by Third Coast Kite and Hobby; hang gliding and paraglidingexhibitions off Elbertas legendary bluffs; a 75-foot sun dial createdby Dean Conners; crafts related to the summer solstice; teen music anddance; a beer garden; games, dancing, an open mic and more.The festival started out in 2002 and weve had some slower years, butit has picked up since then and were expecting a great turnout thisyear, Stoltz says.Stoltz joined the Solstice team last year, bringing a wealth ofexperience in marketing and festival organization. The son of BenziePlayboys washboard scrubber Mark Stoltz, he grew up in Lake Ann,attended Benzie Central High School, and went on to pursue a career indirect marketing in Phoenix and Miami before returning to the area. Atone point, he was employing up to 70 people, marketing for businessessuch as Staples in Arizona.

GLORY DAYSStoltz has had a colorful past here in the area: he recalls travelingwith his dad to Cajun music festivals in the Louisiana bayou and toMardi Gras as a child -- a musical experience that shaped his interestin festivals. He also owns The Future school bus, a camping vehiclepainted with Earth-inspired scenes which he used to travel around thecountry. Additionally, he was part of the team that staged theDunegrass and Blues Festival in Empire, leaving the organization overbudget issues before the ill-fated 2008 festival that lost more thanan estimated $300,000. My budget advice was ignored, so I got outbefore the festival went down, he notes.But Stoltzs expertise in marketing and organization was recognized bythose putting on the Solstice Festival and he was approached to lend ahand at the fundraiser for Elberta Waterfront Park.One of my goals is to make enough money so that we can make this asustainable festival that will bring in a really big band every fewyears, he says.How do you make money at a free festival? Beer sales. Mom or Dad canenjoy a brewski at the Festivals beer garden while still keeping aneye on their kids at the open landscaped park.

DOWN THE HATCHYoull also find some unusual cullinary opportunities this year,including the Gross Eating Contest for kids ages 8-13 which involvesconsuming things like beet jello, or a brussel sprout and pickle juicesmoothie.For adults, there will be the introduction of the Green PlateChallenge by Jim Barnes of Crystal Lake Catering and Eco-BuildingProducts. Five chefs from the area will be creating green platedinners that have to include at least 90 percent local ingredients,Stoltz says. Then theyll be serving these dishes at theirrestaurants throughout the summer.Participating restaurants include the Cabbage Shed, Betsie Bay Inn,Tali Bistro, Coho Cafe and The Thistle, all of which will be offeringa taste of their green plates at the Solstice Festival.